DataSAFE
DataSAFE is a Windows archival and encryption program created by Authentex Corporation. It creates encrypted, password-protected file archives in two formats: safe files (.saf) and lockbox files (.lbx). According to the help file of v1.15 (1996), the files use LZ77 compression and Blowfish encryption.
The program actually includes two separate executables: "Authentex DataSAFE" (SAFE32.exe - for creating and opening .saf files) and "Authentex Lockbox" (LOCKBX32.exe - for creating and opening .lbx files). Both programs are big on skeuomorphism: creating a new .saf or .lbx file involves 'opening' a virtual box, putting in the files, 'closing' the box, then 'locking' it via a combination, all accompanied by appropriate visuals. The passwords must be 8 characters long (numbers, letters, or symbols).
.saf files versus .lbx files
Both .saf and .lbx files are essentially the same thing - password-protected archives. Per the developer's intention, the lockbox files (.lbx) are meant to be nested within .saf files, thus creating sub-archives with their own individual passwords.
It's not clear if there's any internal difference between the two file formats. Based on testing of DataSAFE v1.15 under Windows 98, the most apparent difference is that SAFE32.exe allows more features: it allows to create self-extracting executable archives, or to attach a plaintext note metadata to the .saf file. LOCKBX32.exe lacks these features.
In fact, .saf files and .lbx files can be freely nested within each other, in any combination and to any depth. However, nesting .lbx files within the .saf file is more convenient, as it's possible to run any number of instances of LOCKBX32.exe alongside a single copy of SAFE32.exe; thus, upon 'opening' the safe, each lockbox within can be immediately opened separately. On the other hand, you cannot run more than one instance of SAFE32.exe at a time; therefore nesting .saf files within each other is a bit inconvenient, since you need to close and reopen the program to open the deeper safes.
Identification
.saf files created by v1.15 start with the string 2DataSAFE File, Copyright 1996, Authentex Software
.lbx files created by v1.15 start with the string 8Lockbox Program File, Copyright 1996, Authentex Software
External links
- ds_32bit.exe - Trial version of DataSAFE v1.15, originally from the "PC Shareware" 4/1997 covermount.
- Welcome to Authentex-DataSAFE - Official home page of the program (archived on December 24, 1997).
